AS THE lights dimmed in The Royal Albert Hall for the screening of Star Wars: A New Hope, The London Symphony Orchestra began to play the 20th Century Fox theme, and the audience erupted into thunderous applause, I turned to my right to see my boyfriend, the biggest Star Wars fan I know, become teary-eyed. When the interval came around and I asked him if he was okay he responded, “It’s the music, it’s made me so nostalgic and emotional.” And to be honest, I couldn’t agree more. I had seen the movie a few times prior and as for my boyfriend, too many times to count, but watching it in the breathtaking Royal Albert Hall, amongst a sea of Star Wars fans and with the incredible full set orchestra was an immersive experience that felt like watching the movie for the first time all over again.
The Royal Albert Hall
Star Wars: A New Hope is the first movie of the original Star Wars trilogy and the beginning of the Star Wars franchise. The film tells the story of the galaxy in the midst of a civil war, the Rebel Alliance, led by Princess Leia, plan their attack on the Galactic Empire’s space station, the Death Star. With dramatic twists and turns, and epic tracks such as The Star Wars Theme, Princess Leia’s Theme, and The Last Battle boosting the suspense along the way, it was hard figuring out what I wanted to watch more, the film or the orchestra!
Star Wars A New Hope in Concert poster
A nice touch was in the ending credits, where we noticed that the original film’s music had been composed by John Williams and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra all those years ago in the ‘70s. Ludwig Wicki, the conductor for the evening, seamlessly brought the iconic work of John Williams back to life and took it to a breathtaking new dimension. This connection was a significant one in bringing awareness to the long and important history of classical music in film. In a world where movie streaming is done simply with a click and watched on devices the size of your hand, The Royal Albert Hall’s Live in Concert series is a welcome reminder of the value of cinematic performance.
The Live in Concert screenings are still available to book, with Home Alone, James Bond and Harry Potter scheduled for December and next year. These nights are the perfect Christmas present and work well for friends, family or couples, so book your space now and watch and listen to your favourite film in a whole new light with the incredible London Symphony Orchestra.
Star Wars: A New Hope film grab
The Royal Albert Hall seating area
by Lily Rimme
For more information on other in concert screenings please see here.
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